2017 TRD Sport Towing Capacity

Hey all, seeing conflicting information online. What is the towing capacity of a 2017 Tacoma TRD Sport and how can I determine definitely if I have the tow package or not? Thanks in advance all.

 

I believe all TRD models have the tow package and all are rated at 6500 lbs towing unless it is a 4x2 or a 4 cylinder. I don't believe any TRD models have the 4 cylinder engine.

 

The towing package was an option until 2018 then made standard equipment on the TRD trims.

If you have the 4/7 electrical plug shown below in your bumper you have the package and the truck has the wiring for the electric brakes. You still need to add the brake controller.

 

Yep, have that and the brake controller. So does this mean I am rated for 6500 pounds?

 

The rating is around 6200-6500.

Below is my personal take - others may have differing opinions.

The truck will do the job at that weight although it is a very tiring drive.
The power curve for the V6 is well up in the RPM range so the engine is constantly singing which doesn't seem to damage anything but becomes annoying in short order and there is a lot of downshifting going on - and it will suck gas like a big V8 while offering none of the benefits.

Also hampering these trucks is their low payload, you can find the number on the driver door jamb. A 6000 pound trailer will have a tongue weight of around 800 pounds (13%), remember the payload rating includes people, dogs, fuel & anything in the bed.

For towing in the 3500 pound range they do OK, also what you tow makes a difference - a flat bed utility trailer is a lot less drag and more resistant to cross winds than an equal weight high profile travel coach.

 

Your exact truck’s numbers are listed in the driver’s door jamb.

 

Tacoma is not the truck to pull 6K even though it is rated for it. My 5.7 Tundra was happy at 6K but was rated for 10K. Generally, half of max is the sweet spot for towing.

 

Check out page 16 of this PDF.

http://www.tfltruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2016-toyota-Tacoma-Technical-specs.pdf

 

Great Info!

 

I like the 50% rule!

 

Trailer salesmen would hate you.

 

They do,,, the feelings are mutual if they’re goating people in to buying the wrong sized trailer so they can turn a trick.
I’m sure there are some honest ones though too.

 

I think if it leaves their lot with the chains dragging they should lose their damn license.

 

I agree!

 

i have towed a 3500 lbs. +/- trailer a few times and that is about the limit for this truck and me, regardless of what the manufacturer says is the maximum. i agree completely on the 50% rule. that has been a good rule regardless of manufacturer.

 

I have a 2019 TRD Sport and it came with the towing pkg. I am towing this (below) and it is probably the most my little truck can handle. 5-7MPG average across several states (hey AZ get yer damn roads fixed!) and plan on staying in the slow lane and at max 60-65MPH. It sucks having huge semi's passing you on a highway, they "suck" you towards them and there are only a few feet separating you. Yes, the engine was always screaming plus I have a manual, much easier to tow with since I can put it into the correct gear in all situations, but sure was wishing I had another 20-30HP. Thinking about that supercharger since it's cheaper than a bigger truck and I love my little taco.

https://www.coachmenrvsource.com/sp...ess-blast-toy-hauler-floorplan-17blse-tr59208

 

My 2019 came with the tow pkg, upgraded alternator, 4/7 connector. I bought the Redarc controller and it easily snapped into the connector behind driver kickplate.

 

I have done ~3500 as others and if I did more of this often, I would have a Tundra. Can it do more, yup, but I would not want to on a long trip.

 

Ya what you're towing makes a huge difference is the max recommended aside from the spec. I towed about 6500lbs in the form of a lifted ford explorer on a uhaul from Canmore to Fort Mac, everything was fine and there was only one hill where I needed more than 4th gear to keep at 110kph. Towed a sub 2000lbs shasta travel trailer from Hinton to Athabasca and I struggled hard to even keep 90kph consistently. 3rd gear would sometimes lose me speed on flat roads trying to keep up due to the wind and shape of the trailer. I even stopped to check everything because I thought the brakes or something were locking up.

Moral of the story is it depends what you're towing. 6800lbs on a low profile and aerodynamic trailer, you'll do that with ease. Towing a land sail of a travel trailer and 1000lbs will be too much.

Just don't forget about the items in your truck too as mentioned above. Tow ratings are with nothing but a full tank and 150lbs driver in there. So the weight of your wallet full of gas money, your wife, kids and dog will all subtract a substantial amount from your payload and in turn tongue weight

 

My little trailer is about 3500 loaded and my truck actually handles it with no issues at all. 60 mph max slower on long inclines but it doesn’t feel insecure or incapable at all. The key is payload math. In my case I have 940lbs payload.
Trailer tongue 350
Passengers 310
Dog 60
Hitch 30
Tonneau 30
Cargo 80
5 gallons reserve gas 50
Comes to 910 and that’s as close to capacity as I want to get.